Do not move an ancient boundary stone
which was put in place by your ancestors
-Proverbs 22:28

Sunday, September 25, 2011

"Walking Dead" Marriage

No, we're not talking about necrophilia here. But close to it.

We're talking about the recent Pat Robertson stink. About a man remaining married to a "walking dead" wife. About suffering a demented wife. And what constitutes a dead marriage.

Now, it seems that old Pat (83) has been considering the dilemma of Alzheimer's for a while. And is willing to grant that Alzheimer's is a "death of sorts". But not sure if it's a valid cause for divorce. Seems to think that this "ethical question"- to quote a current President- is 'above his pay grade'.

Well, Pat should know better than that. Far better than that. Should know that ethical decisions are hardly 'above our pay grade'. That he actually has a firm foundation for making such decisions. And they are not "beyond his comprehension"!

That this foundation is found in Christ. Who was faithful to the cross. And found in the Holy Spirit- who abides with the Fathers chosen to their end (Psalm 51:11, 1John 3, 4). As demented as we might become.

That the suffering spouse is to remain faithful. By the faithful example left to us by Christ. Left by the Holy Spirit. And left by the LORD to His chosen people.

And if the suffering spouse fails to remain faithful... he is still not to deprive his "walking dead" wife. As numerous proof-texts indicate, he is still not permitted to deprive her of food, clothing or sex (and they often want that too). Even if he chooses "another woman" (Exodus 21:10).

Yet scripture says that the deprived wife would then be permitted to leave the unfaithful spouse ("without payment of money"). But "walking dead" women don't usually walk too far. And rarely as far as the courthouse.

So the man would then be responsible for double duty. Responsible to service two women. Responsible to "please" two women. And as general history shows, it is far easier for a man to please himself... than trying to please two women (a good argument for masturbation if there wasn't one :).

So... not nearly as complicated as it may seem to Pat. It's only complicated when you are willing to grant that Alzheimer's is a "death of sorts". But dead people are far easier to please.